Chance to join contender too much to pass up for Steve Nash

Steve Nash's evident departure from the Suns turned into a slow death, capped with a twist of the knife when he and the Suns chose the enemy for his next destination.

Do explain how you are a Los Angeles Laker, No. 13.

Like fans who chanted "We want Steve" in his final Suns game, Nash said Thursday that his first wish was to remain a Sun.

Like fans who grapple with Nash in a different purple, Nash said he meant what he said last week about how it is hard to fathom wearing a Lakers jersey.

But unlike what 38-year-old players normally could command, Nash said he had the undeniable chance to be close to his kids and a championship while earning $28 million over three years.

"I definitely upset some Suns fans and turned down some money but the opportunity with the kids was too good to pass up," said Nash, whose 7-year-old daughters and 20-month-old son live in the Valley with his ex-wife. "I was more lucky than anything that they (the Lakers) are a contender. I got everything I wanted if you look at the black and white. But if it wasn't for the kids and if the Suns weren't going in a new direction, I don't think the deal happens. Once the Suns went in a new direction, my next priority was to exhaust the opportunity to be closer to the kids."

The Suns never made Nash a contract offer or asked to meet since he became a free agent. After Nash and the Suns talked about the franchise's future in postseason meetings, it quickly became apparent that other teams would offer twice the money or a third contract year that the Suns would not.

Nash first heard from the Lakers on Sunday and they committed to a third contract year by Monday but their interest and salary-cap limitations required a sign-and-trade deal with the Suns, who initially refused. The inhibitions lasted until Thursday, when Nash's appeals to Suns Managing Partner Robert Sarver and two minority owners about his franchise contributions and family interests prompted a reversal. Phoenix will receive two first-round picks, two second-round picks and $3.1 million when the deal is executed Wednesday.

"It stung a little bit," Nash said of the Suns' inactivity with him. "At the same time, I can't fault them. They made a strong move to cut ties and move forward and I get it. Goran (Dragic, a former Nash backup who Phoenix will give a four-year, $30 million deal) is a terrific signing. If they get (Eric) Gordon (by New Orleans not matching a four-year, $58 million offer sheet), they'd have a great backcourt for years.

"A head's up that they were moving on would've meant a lot to me. I don't have any problem with them going in a new direction. It takes guts to do it. They got younger and more talented. I'm excited for them and Suns fans that they'll be back in there."

Nash was ready to choose Toronto or New York but not until he explored the Lakers. When the saga ended, he was relieved but still shocked over the finality.

"I never saw this coming so I'm still not completely through the process of realizing this is a reality," Nash said.

The thought of moving away from his kids and across the continent prompted Nash to consider retirement. It was not until late June that he knew his enjoyment, competitiveness and performance were too high to retire.

Joining the Lakers became more palatable with a call from 1996 draft classmate and long-time enemy Kobe Bryant.

"He was excited about the opportunity and that we could help each other a lot," Nash said. "I've never really had a problem with him but we're competitors too. We're adults so hopefully we can put it aside. He was very gracious in his excitement for me to come."

Nash said he did not foresee the Lakers option and remains not "completely comfortable" with it. After two non-playoff Suns teams, having Bryant, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum as Lakers teammates should comfort him quickly.

"It's an embarrassingly rich trio to play with," Nash said. "Kobe should have the ball a lot. The Lakers would like to be a better pick-and-roll team. The big guys can really roll to the basket and need spacing. My ability to stretch the floor will help it all fit. I think I make Kobe's responsibilities diminish a little so he doesn't have to do so much."

Nash is ready to no longer create every shot. He is trying to lure free agent Grant Hill to join him.

Heading West is hard for him to do to fans. Telling his children he was going East would have been harder.

"I did want to come back, move the franchise forward and leave it in a better place than the past two seasons," Nash said. "The Suns knew that. Once I realized they were going in a new direction, I got used to the idea that I'd be elsewhere. It's still going to take time to get used to."